Uber Users Can Now Buy Delhi Metro Tickets Within The App

Ride-hailing major Uber has partnered with the state-backed Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) to offer metro ticketing facility through its app.

With this partnership, Uber users can now purchase QR-based Delhi metro train tickets within the app using the UPI payment options. 

The company also aims to expand the offering to three more cities by the end of this year.

“…working with ONDC has pushed us to reimagine how private innovation can plug into public platforms to deliver seamless, smart solutions and we are just getting started,” said Uber’s chief technology officer Praveen Neppalli Naga.

Last year, Uber signed a pact with ONDC to explore integration with the network to expand its range of mobility offerings.

This also comes at the heart of the ride-hailing major looking to integrate with ONDC to launch the B2B logistics solutions. As part of the move, Uber will facilitate businesses to request on-demand logistics from its delivery network.

The service will initially focus on food deliveries with a future potential in scaling it to segments, including ecommerce, grocery, pharmacy and healthcare logistics, the company said in a statement. Besides, Uber also claims that the B2B logistics solutions will create extra earning opportunities for its driver network.

During the announcement, Naga also highlighted other products offered by Uber, including Uber Courier XL.

Uber recently launched this service which is designed for delivering large and heavy packages.

The ONDC-ficiation Of Transportation

ONDC offers services in various segments, including ecommerce, financial services food delivery and transportation.

Last year, the network entered into a partnership with Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) to facilitate digital QR ticketing for buses.

Besides, ride-hailing service Namma Yatri joined hands with Google Maps and ONDC intending to enhance the public transport service in India.

Uber’s rival Rapido also offers metro ticket booking facility for Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) in partnership with ONDC. The ride-hailing platform also works with the government-backed network for its B2B logistics arm.

In the similar segment, Bhavish Aggarwal-led Ola also offers food delivery, grocery delivery and hyperlocal delivery via its integration with ONDC.

Uber’s India Ride

While Uber operates in several other countries, India is one of its key markets.

To strengthen its grip, the ride-hailing major is pushing boundaries and rolling out new features and partnerships to enhance customer acquisition.

From introducing women-only bike taxi services to offering accounts for teenagers in India, Uber has introduced many such features lately.

Last week, Uber also expanded its courier service Uber Courier with the launch of Courier XL in India to deliver large goods.

Uber India is also looking to deploy 1,000 electric four wheelers across key Indian cities by 2026.

As per Tofler, Uber India’s standalone operating revenue grew 41% to INR 3,761 Cr in FY24 from INR 2,666 Cr in the previous fiscal year.